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Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects around 80,000 people in Australia - on average, 25 Australians are diagnosed every day, and one in seven of those will be under 50 years of age. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative neurological condition that impairs movement. Patients in the advanced stages depend on 24-hour care from loved ones or professionals. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, including those that make dopamine, a chemical messenger necessary for smooth, controlled movements.

Parkinson's disease usually affects people over the age of 50. However, up to one in five patients, like Michael J Fox, are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50 years.